The Metra BNSF Railway Line, commonly called the BNSF Line, is a Metra commuter rail route connecting Chicago Union Station with Aurora, Illinois. It serves a busy suburban corridor through communities including Cicero, Berwyn, Brookfield, LaGrange, Western Springs, Hinsdale, Westmont, Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville, Route 59, and Aurora.
The BNSF Line is one of Metra’s 11 commuter rail lines and is notable because BNSF Railway owns the railroad infrastructure and operates the commuter service under a purchase-of-service agreement with Metra.
For commuters traveling between Chicago and the western suburbs, the BNSF Railway Line provides regular rail service with multiple stations and a range of fare products.
Metra BNSF Railway Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | BNSF Railway Line |
| Common Name | BNSF Line |
| Line Abbreviation | BNSF |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Western Terminal | Aurora |
| Main Corridor | Chicago’s western suburbs |
| Major Cities Served | Berwyn, LaGrange, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville, Aurora |
| Operator | BNSF Railway |
| Metra Service | Commuter rail |
| Fare System | Zone-based |
| Ticket Options | One-Way, Day Pass, Ten-Ride, Monthly and applicable reduced fares |
| Mobile Ticketing | Ventra app |
| Real-Time Tracking | Available through Metra |
| Service Alerts | Available through Metra |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station |
Metra’s official information identifies BNSF as one of its commuter routes and states that BNSF Railway owns the BNSF line and operates the commuter service with its own crews under an agreement with Metra.
What Is the Metra BNSF Railway Line?
The BNSF Railway Line is a Metra commuter rail route running between Chicago Union Station and Aurora.
The line travels west from downtown Chicago through several established communities in Cook and DuPage counties before reaching Aurora.
Some of the most frequently recognized stations along the route include:
- Chicago Union Station
- Halsted Street
- Western Avenue
- Cicero
- LaVergne
- Harlem Avenue
- Berwyn
- LaGrange Road
- Brookfield
- Riverside
- Congress Park
- LaGrange
- Western Springs
- Highlands
- Hinsdale
- West Hinsdale
- Clarendon Hills
- Westmont
- Fairview Avenue/Downers Grove
- Downers Grove
- Belmont
- Lisle
- Naperville
- Route 59
- Aurora
Metra’s official BNSF merchandise catalog lists these stations, including Aurora, Naperville, Route 59, Lisle, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Berwyn, LaGrange, Brookfield, Riverside, Cicero, Western Avenue, and Chicago Union Station.
Metra BNSF Railway Line Stations
The BNSF Line has a large number of stations between Chicago and Aurora.
BNSF Line Station List
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago Union Station |
| 2 | Halsted Street |
| 3 | Western Avenue |
| 4 | Cicero |
| 5 | LaVergne |
| 6 | Harlem Avenue |
| 7 | Berwyn |
| 8 | LaGrange Road |
| 9 | Brookfield |
| 10 | Riverside |
| 11 | Congress Park |
| 12 | LaGrange |
| 13 | Western Springs |
| 14 | Highlands |
| 15 | Hinsdale |
| 16 | West Hinsdale |
| 17 | Clarendon Hills |
| 18 | Westmont |
| 19 | Fairview Avenue/Downers Grove |
| 20 | Downers Grove |
| 21 | Belmont |
| 22 | Lisle |
| 23 | Naperville |
| 24 | Route 59 |
| 25 | Aurora |
The exact stopping pattern can vary by train, so passengers should check the current timetable for their particular trip rather than assuming every train stops at every station. Historical and published BNSF timetables show different stopping patterns among individual trains.
Metra BNSF Railway Line Route
The BNSF route generally follows this path:
Chicago Union Station → Halsted Street → Western Avenue → Cicero → LaVergne → Harlem Avenue → Berwyn → LaGrange Road → Brookfield → Riverside → Congress Park → LaGrange → Western Springs → Highlands → Hinsdale → West Hinsdale → Clarendon Hills → Westmont → Fairview Avenue/Downers Grove → Downers Grove → Belmont → Lisle → Naperville → Route 59 → Aurora
The line runs through some of the most established western suburban communities in the Chicago metropolitan area.
BNSF Line Chicago to Aurora
The primary direction of travel from downtown Chicago is:
Chicago Union Station → Aurora
Passengers traveling west from Chicago can access communities including:
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- LaGrange
- Western Springs
- Hinsdale
- Westmont
- Downers Grove
- Lisle
- Naperville
- Aurora
The BNSF route is therefore particularly relevant for commuters who live west of Chicago and work or study in the downtown area.
BNSF Line Aurora to Chicago
The reverse direction is:
Aurora → Chicago Union Station
This direction is commonly used by suburban commuters traveling toward downtown Chicago.
The line provides multiple intermediate stops, allowing passengers to board at stations such as:
- Naperville
- Lisle
- Downers Grove
- Westmont
- Hinsdale
- LaGrange
- Brookfield
- Berwyn
before reaching Chicago Union Station.
Metra BNSF Railway Line Schedule
The BNSF schedule varies according to:
- Day of the week
- Direction
- Train number
- Station
- Stopping pattern
- Time of day
- Service adjustments
Metra provides an online schedule tool where riders can select the BNSF Line, departure station, destination, date, and time. The same official system provides train tracking, fare calculation, and service-alert information.
Weekday Service
BNSF has historically offered frequent weekday service, particularly during peak commuting periods.
The published BNSF timetable shows numerous weekday trains operating between Aurora and Chicago, with individual trains having different stopping patterns.
Important Schedule Note
A timetable currently available in Metra’s online document archive is dated April 29, 2024. It should not be treated as the definitive September 2026 timetable. Metra directs passengers to its current online schedule and service-alert tools for trip planning.
For this reason, always check the current schedule immediately before traveling.
BNSF Railway Line Weekend Service
The BNSF Line also has weekend service.
Metra published a weekend timetable effective April 29, 2024, showing Saturday and Sunday trains between Aurora and Chicago. The timetable included multiple departures throughout the day.
Weekend service can differ from weekday peak service, so passengers should check the current weekend schedule before making plans.
This is particularly important for:
- Early-morning trips
- Late-night returns
- Weekend events
- Airport connections
- Connections with other transit services
Metra BNSF Railway Line Map
The BNSF Line travels west from downtown Chicago toward Aurora.
A simplified route looks like:
Chicago → Cicero → Berwyn → LaGrange → Western Springs → Hinsdale → Westmont → Downers Grove → Lisle → Naperville → Route 59 → Aurora
The complete station sequence includes several additional stops between these major communities.
Passengers can use Metra’s current system map and online trip planner to identify their station, destination, and potential connections.
Metra BNSF Railway Line Fares
Metra uses a zone-based fare system.
The fare for a BNSF trip depends on:
- Origin station
- Destination station
- Applicable fare zones
- Ticket type
- Rider eligibility for reduced fares
Instead of assuming that every BNSF journey costs the same amount, passengers should use Metra’s current fare calculator for the exact origin and destination.
Metra’s official online system includes a fare calculator that allows passengers to select their train line, departure station, and destination.
BNSF One-Way Ticket
A Metra One-Way Ticket is designed for a single continuous journey.
It can be useful for:
- Occasional commuters
- Visitors
- Students
- Business travelers
- Passengers making a single trip to Chicago
- Passengers traveling from Chicago to the western suburbs
The exact price depends on the applicable fare zones.
BNSF Day Pass
A Metra Day Pass may be useful for passengers making multiple Metra trips on the same day.
It can be convenient for:
- Weekend visitors
- Chicago day trips
- Multiple journeys
- Return trips
- Passengers exploring destinations along the BNSF corridor
Always check the current fare rules and validity conditions before purchasing.
BNSF Ten-Ride Ticket
The Ten-Ride Ticket can be useful for passengers who travel regularly but do not commute every weekday.
Potential users include:
- Hybrid employees
- Part-time commuters
- Students
- Occasional business travelers
- Riders who make several trips each month
The best ticket depends on the number of days you travel and the fare associated with your origin and destination.
BNSF Monthly Pass
A Metra Monthly Pass is designed for frequent commuters.
It can be useful for passengers traveling regularly between:
- Naperville and Chicago
- Downers Grove and Chicago
- Hinsdale and Chicago
- LaGrange and Chicago
- Aurora and Chicago
- Other BNSF stations and downtown Chicago
The Monthly Pass provides unlimited weekday travel between applicable selected zones and systemwide Metra travel on weekends under Metra’s current rules.
Passengers should check the current fare chart and fare calculator before purchasing.
How to Buy a BNSF Metra Ticket
Passengers have several options for purchasing Metra tickets.
Ventra App
The Ventra app supports Metra mobile ticketing.
Passengers can use their smartphone to purchase and display eligible Metra tickets.
Station Ticket Machines
Ticket vending machines are available at many BNSF stations.
For example, Metra’s station information for Cicero lists ticket vending machines and provides station-specific parking, platform, and accessibility information.
Before Boarding
A good process is:
- Select your departure station.
- Select your destination.
- Check the current fare.
- Choose the appropriate ticket.
- Purchase or activate the ticket as required.
- Keep the ticket available for inspection.
BNSF Railway Line Parking
Parking availability varies by station.
Many suburban BNSF stations have parking facilities, but individual stations can differ in:
- Number of spaces
- Daily parking
- Permit parking
- ADA parking
- Parking fees
- Overnight restrictions
- Municipal parking arrangements
For example, the Metra station information for Cicero lists two parking lots with 308 spaces, including 14 ADA spaces.
Passengers should check their specific station’s parking information rather than assuming that parking rules are identical throughout the BNSF corridor.
BNSF Line Accessibility
Accessibility varies by station.
Metra provides station-specific information covering:
- Accessible entrances
- Platforms
- Parking
- Ticketing
- Boarding information
For example, Metra lists Cicero as accessible and provides platform information for inbound and outbound trains.
Passengers who require accessible transportation should verify the current accessibility status of their origin and destination stations before traveling.
Chicago Union Station and the BNSF Line
Chicago Union Station is the eastern terminal of the BNSF Line.
It is one of the region’s major transportation hubs and provides connections to other Metra services, Amtrak, CTA, buses, taxis, and rideshare services.
For BNSF passengers, Union Station is the primary gateway to downtown Chicago.
Aurora Station
Aurora is the western terminal of the BNSF Line.
It serves passengers from Aurora and surrounding communities traveling toward:
- Naperville
- Lisle
- Downers Grove
- Hinsdale
- LaGrange
- Berwyn
- Chicago
The official Metra BNSF information identifies Aurora as the western destination of the line.
Naperville on the BNSF Line
Naperville is one of the major stations on the BNSF corridor.
The station provides commuter rail access between Naperville and Chicago and also serves passengers traveling toward other western suburban communities.
Metra’s published BNSF timetables show Naperville as a major stop between Route 59 and Lisle.
Naperville is particularly relevant for:
- Daily commuters
- Downtown Chicago workers
- Students
- Weekend travelers
- Residents traveling to nearby western suburbs
Downers Grove on the BNSF Line
Downers Grove is another important BNSF station.
The BNSF corridor includes:
- Fairview Avenue/Downers Grove
- Downers Grove
These stations provide access to Chicago and the surrounding western suburbs.
Hinsdale on the BNSF Line
- Hinsdale is served by the BNSF Line and is located between Highlands and West Hinsdale.
- The station is part of an established suburban corridor with multiple BNSF stations located relatively close together.
- Passengers traveling between Hinsdale and Chicago can use the BNSF commuter rail service according to the applicable schedule.
LaGrange on the BNSF Line
The BNSF corridor includes several stations associated with LaGrange, including:
- LaGrange Road
- Congress Park
- LaGrange
These stations serve different parts of the surrounding community.
Passengers should verify the exact station name when purchasing a ticket or planning a journey.
Berwyn on the BNSF Line
- Berwyn is one of the inner-suburban BNSF stations.
- It provides access between Chicago and the western suburbs and is located west of Harlem Avenue and east of LaGrange Road.
- The BNSF corridor has long played an important role in the development and transportation patterns of the western suburbs. Metra’s history of the line notes the close relationship between the railroad and communities along the corridor.
Cicero on the BNSF Line
Cicero is an inner-suburban BNSF station.
Metra’s station information lists:
- Station location at 26th and Cicero
- Accessibility
- Ticket vending machines
- Two parking lots
- 308 total parking spaces
- 14 ADA parking spaces
- CTA connections
The station also provides platform information for inbound and outbound BNSF trains.
Route 59 Station
- Route 59 is one of the major western suburban stations on the BNSF Line.
- It is located between Naperville and Aurora.
- The station is particularly relevant for passengers in the Aurora/Naperville corridor who want rail access toward Chicago.
- Published BNSF schedules list Route 59 as a regular station between Aurora and Naperville.
Lisle on the BNSF Line
- Lisle is located between Belmont and Naperville.
- It serves local residents and commuters traveling toward Chicago or farther west.
- The station is part of the DuPage County portion of the BNSF corridor.
Westmont on the BNSF Line
- Westmont is located between Clarendon Hills and Fairview Avenue/Downers Grove.
- The station provides commuter access to Chicago and other western suburban destinations.
BNSF Railway Line Train Tracker
The Metra BNSF train tracker can be used to check real-time train information.
Metra’s official tracker allows passengers to see:
- Train status
- Next departures
- Train location
- Interactive route map
- Current service information
Metra describes its tracker as a real-time tool that shows the next departures and an interactive map as the train moves along the line.
This is especially useful when:
- A train is delayed
- You are waiting at a station
- You need the next departure
- You are making a connection
- Weather may affect operations
BNSF Railway Line Service Alerts
BNSF service can be affected by:
- Track work
- Construction
- Weather
- Equipment issues
- Signal problems
- Freight railroad operations
- Special events
- Other operational disruptions
Metra’s official website provides current service alerts along with schedule and train-tracking tools.
Check the alerts before a time-sensitive journey.
BNSF Line and BNSF Railway
The BNSF Line is somewhat different from several other Metra routes because of the relationship between Metra and BNSF Railway.
Metra’s official history states that BNSF Railway owns the BNSF line and operates the commuter rail service with its own crews under a purchase-of-service agreement with Metra.
This arrangement differs from lines operated directly through Metra’s contracted operating structure.
History of the BNSF Railway Line
The BNSF corridor has a long history dating back to the development of rail service between Aurora and Chicago.
Metra’s historical account notes that rail service between Aurora and Chicago began in 1850. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy later built a direct route to Chicago, with passenger service beginning on the route in 1864.
Over the following decades, the railroad became closely connected with the growth of western suburban communities.
Important developments included:
- 1850 — Early Aurora-to-Chicago rail service
- 1864 — Passenger service on the direct route
- 1950 — Introduction of stainless-steel bi-level commuter cars
- 1965 — Push-pull operation into and out of Union Station
- 1970 — Formation of Burlington Northern
- 1983 — Creation of Metra
- 1996 — Burlington Northern merged with Santa Fe to form BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway continues to own the line and operate Metra commuter service under its agreement with Metra.
BNSF Line Travel Time
There is no single travel time that applies to every BNSF journey.
Travel time depends on:
- Starting station
- Destination
- Number of stops
- Train type or stopping pattern
- Time of day
- Delays
- Service conditions
A trip from Aurora to Chicago takes considerably longer than a trip from Berwyn to Chicago, for example.
The best way to determine your expected journey time is to use Metra’s current schedule tool for your specific station pair.
BNSF Line vs Milwaukee District West
Both lines serve Chicago’s western suburbs, but they follow different corridors.
| Feature | BNSF Railway Line | Milwaukee District West |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | BNSF | MD-W |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station | Chicago Union Station |
| Western Destination | Aurora | Elgin/Big Timber Road |
| Major Stations | Berwyn, LaGrange, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Naperville | Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Roselle, Schaumburg, Bartlett |
| Main Corridor | Western suburbs | Northwest/western suburbs |
| Railroad Operator | BNSF Railway | Metra/NIRCRC operating structure |
| Major Destination | Aurora | Elgin |
The correct line depends on the station you need rather than simply the general direction of travel.
BNSF Line vs Union Pacific West Line
The BNSF Line and Union Pacific West Line both serve western suburban communities but use different routes.
| Feature | BNSF | UP-W |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Western Destination | Aurora | Elburn |
| Major Communities | Berwyn, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Naperville | Oak Park, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Geneva, Elburn |
| Downtown Terminal | Union Station | Ogilvie |
| Route | BNSF corridor | Union Pacific West corridor |
When planning a trip, confirm both the line and downtown terminal.
Who Uses the BNSF Railway Line?
The BNSF Line serves several types of riders.
Daily Commuters
Employees traveling between the western suburbs and downtown Chicago form an important part of the line’s commuter base.
Hybrid Workers
Passengers who travel into Chicago only a few days per week can compare One-Way, Day Pass, Ten-Ride, and Monthly options.
Students
Students can use BNSF stations for travel between home and educational institutions.
Weekend Travelers
Weekend BNSF service can support trips to:
- Downtown Chicago
- Restaurants
- Shopping areas
- Museums
- Sports events
- Entertainment
- Community events
Tips for Riding the BNSF Railway Line
1. Check the Current Schedule
Use Metra’s online schedule rather than relying on an old timetable.
2. Confirm Your Station
Some communities have more than one BNSF station.
3. Check the Train’s Stops
Not every train necessarily stops at every station.
4. Check the Fare
Use the current fare calculator for your exact origin and destination.
5. Arrive Early
Allow time for parking, ticketing, walking to the platform, and boarding.
6. Check Service Alerts
Construction and operational changes can affect train schedules.
7. Keep Your Ticket Ready
Have your mobile or paper ticket available for inspection.
8. Plan Your Return Trip
If you are visiting Chicago from Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, or another western suburb, check the return schedule before starting your activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metra BNSF Railway Line?
The BNSF Railway Line is a Metra commuter rail route connecting Chicago Union Station and Aurora.
What does BNSF stand for?
BNSF refers to BNSF Railway, the railroad company that owns the line and operates the commuter service under an agreement with Metra.
Where does the BNSF Line start?
The BNSF Line starts at Chicago Union Station.
Where does the BNSF Line end?
The western terminal is Aurora, Illinois.
Does Metra BNSF go to Naperville?
Yes. Naperville is one of the major stations on the BNSF Line.
Does the BNSF Line go to Downers Grove?
Yes. The BNSF Line serves Fairview Avenue/Downers Grove and Downers Grove.
Does the BNSF Line go to Hinsdale?
Yes. Hinsdale and West Hinsdale are served by the BNSF corridor.
Does the BNSF Line go to Aurora?
Yes. Aurora is the western terminal of the BNSF Line.
Does the BNSF Line run on weekends?
Yes. Metra has published weekend BNSF service between Aurora and Chicago. However, passengers should check the current weekend timetable because schedules can change.
Can I buy a BNSF ticket on my phone?
Yes. Metra supports mobile ticketing through the Ventra app.
Can I track a BNSF train in real time?
Yes. Metra provides a real-time tracker showing train status, upcoming departures, and an interactive map.
Where can I check BNSF service alerts?
Metra’s official website provides current service alerts for its rail lines.
How much is a BNSF Metra ticket?
The price depends on the origin, destination, applicable fare zones, and ticket type. Use Metra’s current fare calculator for the exact price.
Does every BNSF train stop at every station?
No. Stopping patterns can differ by train. Check the current timetable for your specific train. Published BNSF schedules show different stopping patterns among individual trains.
Is the BNSF Line accessible?
Accessibility varies by station. Check the current Metra station page for your specific origin and destination.
Does the BNSF Line go to O’Hare Airport?
No. The BNSF Line does not directly serve an O’Hare airport station. Passengers traveling to O’Hare need to plan a connection using another transit service or ground transportation.
What is the BNSF Line’s downtown Chicago station?
BNSF trains use Chicago Union Station.
Final Thoughts
The Metra BNSF Railway Line is a major commuter rail corridor connecting Chicago Union Station with Aurora and serving numerous western suburban communities.
Stations such as Berwyn, LaGrange, Hinsdale, Westmont, Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville, Route 59, and Aurora make the line an important transportation option for commuters and other travelers.
BNSF is also distinctive within the Metra system because BNSF Railway owns the railroad and operates the commuter service with its own crews under a purchase-of-service agreement with Metra.
